Container for substances

ABSTRACT

A base and receptacle combination designed to hold materials that are too voluminous or are packaged in non-structured containers and therefore cannot be retained in a conventional cup holder.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field ofcontainers, and more particularly, to a container that is designed tohold materials that are too voluminous or are packaged in non-structuredcontainers and therefore cannot be retained in a conventional cupholder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Over the last decade cup holders have proliferated and are nowfound in many locations including movie theaters, sporting/event arenas,automobiles and baby strollers to name a few. These holders serve as aconvenience to those who use them to hold beverages or other productscapable of being placed in a cup thereby fitting within the holder.Other items (i.e. popcorn) are too voluminous or are packaged innon-structured containers and therefore cannot be placed in theseholders. This is a problem as Americans continue to consume snack foodsat record numbers.

[0003] Ninety-three percent of Americans snack, with 50 percent of themdoing so two or three times a day; 40 percent at least four times a day;and 13 percent five or more times a day. Source: International DairyDeli Bakery Association's What's in Store report, volume 13, September1998. In 1998 an estimated 133,400,000 Americans watched the Superbowlon television. Following is a list of just some of the things they ateduring this event: Snack Food (in millions of pounds) Potato chips 11.2Tortilla chips 8.2 Pretzels 4.3 Popcorn 3.8 Snack Nuts 2.5

[0004] Almost 89 percent of U.S. households buy potato chips in a year,replenishing about every three weeks. 76 percent buy tortilla chips andreplenish about every 32 days. 63 percent buy pretzels and replenishabout every 37 days. Annual per capita consumption of snack foods hasincreased from 17.9 pounds in 1983 to 23.4 pounds in 1995. The industrynow boasts approximately $38 billion in annual sales.http://www.snackandbakery.com/media.asp. These statistics do not evenaccount for other items that come in non-structured packaging, such ascandy.

[0005] Previous attempts have been made to provide a device capable ofaccommodating unconventional configurations such as described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,315,153 to Osborn (the '153 patent); U.S. Pat. No. Des.439,116 to White (the '116 patent); U.S. Pat. No. Des. 436,166 to Berkey(the '166 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,062 to Siegel (the '062 patent);U.S. Pat. No. Des. 409,747 to Aiken (the '747 patent); U.S. Pat. No.Des. 400,763 to Taylor, et al. (the '763 patent); U.S. Pat. No. Des.397,915 to McNaughton (the '915 patent); U.S. Pat. No. Des. 396,284 toSchaefer (the '284 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,340 to Ruhnau (the '340patent); U.S. Pat. No. Des. 377,740 to Swanson (the '740 patent); U.S.Pat. No. Des. 370,392 to Flanagan (the '392 patent); U.S. Pat. No.5,490,653 to Ingwersen (the '653 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,064 toSapien (the '064 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,649 to Hunnicutt (the '649patent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,468 to Dahlquist, II, et al (the '468patent); U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,571 to Seeley (the '571 patent); U.S. Pat.No. 3,579,652 to Ericson (the '652 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,310 toHill (the '310 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 1,846,748 Palmer (the '748 patent)all of which are incorporate herein by reference.

[0006] The '153 patent describes an adapter for adapting a conventionalcup holder to hold a wide arrange of containers. The adapter providesfor a removable insert, which can be used to further adapt the adapterto accommodate various container sizes, and, provide insulation to thecontainer to maintain the temperature of the drink in the containergenerally constant, illustrated in FIG. 1. One disadvantage of thisinvention is that it is not adapted for use with voluminous materials(e.g. popcorn) and does not provide appropriate storage fornon-structured packaged material.

[0007] The '116 patent describes the ornamental design for a universalholder/adapter for beverage container receptacles, illustrated inFIG. 1. Similar to above, a disadvantage of this invention is that it isnot adapted for use with voluminous materials (e.g. popcorn) and doesnot provide appropriate storage for non-structured packaged material.

[0008] The '166 patent describes the ornamental design for a femaleurine specimen cup method, illustrated in FIG. 1. Again, thedisadvantage of this invention is that it is not adapted for use withvoluminous materials (e.g. popcorn) and does not provide appropriatestorage for non-structured packaged material.

[0009] The '062 patent describes a beverage container receptacle for acup holder of given diameter provided as an automotive vehicle accessoryincluding a substantially cylinder-shaped lower section having adiameter less than that of the automotive vehicle cup holder accessory,a substantially cubed-shaped upper section having a length greater thanthe diameter of the cup holder accessory, and a connecting surfacejoining an upper end of the lower section and a lower end of the uppersection, with the connecting surface being of a construction andcomposition to support the weight of a beverage carton or bottle fittedthrough the upper section of the receptacle and towards its lowersection, illustrated in FIG. 1. One disadvantage of this invention isthat it is not adapted to stow away in order to be unobtrusive when notin use.

[0010] The '747 patent describes the ornamental design for a urinespecimen collector, illustrated in FIG. 1. As above, a disadvantage ofthis invention is that it is not adapted to stow away in order to beunobtrusive when not in use.

[0011] The '763 patent describes the ornamental design for a holder forover-sized beverage containers, illustrated in FIG. 1. A disadvantage ofthe '763 patent is that it has a large opening extending the length ofthe container, such a configuration could not contain such substances aspopcorn.

[0012] The '915 patent describes the ornamental design for an adaptablebeverage holder, illustrated in FIG. 1. The disadvantage of the '915patent is that it has a large opening extending the length of thecontainer, such a configuration could not contain such substances aspopcorn.

[0013] The '284 patent describes the ornamental design for a femaleincontinence device, illustrated in FIG. 1. This device appears to lackthe ability to contain any substances outside of the cup section.

[0014] The '340 patent describes an adapter for holding over-sizedbeverage containers for use in cylindrical beverage receptacles found inmany vehicles, the adapter having an enlarged upper portion to receivethe beverage containers and a lower portion comprising an insertion basesized to fit within the vehicle beverage receptacle, illustrated inFIG. 1. The disadvantage of the '340 patent is that it has a largeopenings extending the length of the container, such a configurationcould not contain such free-flowing substances as popcorn.

[0015] The '740 patent describes the ornamental design for a travelholder receptive to varying sizes of beverage containers, illustrated inFIG. 1. The disadvantage of the '740 patent is that it has a largeopenings extending the length of the container, such a configurationcould not contain such free-flowing substances as popcorn.

[0016] The '392 patent describes the ornamental design for a largebeverage container, illustrated in FIG. 1. The disadvantage of the '392patent is that it has a large opening extending the length of thecontainer, such a configuration could not contain such free-flowingsubstances as popcorn.

[0017] The '653 patent describes a cup holder accessory for supportingan over-sized drink cup in a standard-sized drink cup receptacle, isprovided with a base element that cooperates with the standard-sizeddrink cup receptacle, with an over-sized drink cup receptacle supportedby and rotatable relative to the base element, and a fastener elementjoining the base element, the over-sized drink cup receptacle element,and the cam element into a unitary assembly, illustrated in FIG. 2. Onedisadvantage of the '653 patent is that it require multiple moving partsto provide a cup holder for a larger than standard size. In addition,the enlarged cup holder cannot accommodate free-flowing substances dueto its low threshold.

[0018] The '064 patent describes a holder that comprises an uppersection with a generally longitudinal slot forming a passage through atubular wall member, a lower section with an open first end and anopposite second end, a connecting means for attaching the upper sectionwith the lower section, and an end closure at the bottom of the lowersection is disclosed, illustrated in FIG. 1. A shortcoming of the '064patent is that the longitudinal slot does not allow for containment offree-flowing substances like peanuts, or other similar snack foods.

[0019] The '649 patent describes a beverage holder for placement into abeverage receptacle and for receiving a beverage container such as abeer or carbonated drink can, held within an insulated beverage holder,illustrated in FIG. 1. One disadvantage of this invention is its design,which necessitates the use of an insulating sleeve for a standard-sizedbeverage container.

[0020] The '468 patent describes a device for stabilizing and supportinga large cup whose base diameter exceeds the smaller diameter of asupport receptacle such as is typically provided in a moving vehicle,illustrated in FIG. 1. A disadvantage of the '468 patent is that it isnot designed to hold items that are not already in their own containers,for example, loose snack foods like peanuts and popcorn.

[0021] The '571 patent describes a collective device for obtainingrelatively uncontaminated specimens of urine from a human female whichdevice comprises a liquid container, a funnel detachably secured to thecontainer, after use, without violation of sterility. The removable lidcloses the chamber constituted by the interior of the container andfunnel, maintaining sterility until the lid is removed prior to use,illustrated in FIG. 2. One disadvantage of the present invention is thatit is composed of multiple parts and needs assembly before use. Inaddition, it is not properly pre-configured to fit standard cup holderslots that are present in automobiles, chair arms in sports arenas, etc.

[0022] The '652 patent describes a funnel for use in the collection ofurine specimens having a side wall of flexible material and two openingsat either end and a rigid member coupled about one end to hold theopening in an open position and to provide a foundation for a sealingcap, illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0023] The '310 patent describes a holder for both flat bottom andconical paper cups, the holder being of the single end type, and havinga single cup receiving cavity into which a cup of either type may bepositioned, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. This invention is notconfigured to reduce its size by providing an embodiment with acollapsible material holder. In addition, it is not specificallydesigned to provide containment for loose particulate-like substances.

[0024] The '748 patent describes a package embodying a container andgoods, the body of the container being flexible and transparent andincluding a reinforcing base which is hollow in its bottom side, thecontents of the package being observable yet protected, illustrated inFIG. 1. One disadvantage of this invention is that it is meant to bedrawn together at the top and sealed for storage than actually beingused to dispense the product.

[0025] Consequently, there is a need in the art for a device capable ofcontaining items from non-structured packaging to be held in aconventional cup holder.

[0026] There is a further need in the art for a device capable ofcontaining items from non-structured packaging to be held in aconventional cup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself orseparating into its component parts.

[0027] There is a further need in the art for a device capable ofcontaining items from non-structured packaging to be held in aconventional cup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself orseparating into its component parts and fits in a standard sized cupholder, such as those found in movie theaters, automobiles, strollersand event arenas.

[0028] There is a further need in the art for a device capable ofcontaining voluminous particulate matter to be held in a conventionalcup holder. There is a further need in the art for a device capable ofcontaining voluminous particulate matter to be held in a conventionalcup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself or separatinginto its component parts.

[0029] There is a further need in the art for a device capable ofcontaining voluminous particulate matter to be held in a conventionalcup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself or separatinginto its component parts and fits in a standard sized cup holder, suchas those found in movie theaters, automobiles, strollers and eventarenas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention solves significant problems in the art byproviding A device for containment of substances comprising: areceptacle, defining an orifice for retaining the substances wherein thereceptacle has a first end, an affixing end, a middle portion, and innerand outer sides, wherein the first end defines a first aperture having afirst diameter, and the affixing end defines a second aperture having asecond diameter; and, a base, wherein the base has a mouth, a bottom,inner and outer sides and is generally cylindrical in shape, the mouthaffixed to the affixing end of the receptacle.

[0031] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a device forcontainment of particulate substances comprising: a receptacle, definingan orifice for retaining the substances wherein the receptacle has afirst end, an affixing end, a middle portion, and inner and outer sides,wherein the first end defines a first aperture having a first diameter,and the affixing end defines a second aperture having a second diameter;and, a base, wherein the base has a mouth, a bottom, inner and outersides and is generally cylindrical in shape, the mouth affixed to theaffixing end of the receptacle.

[0032] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a device forcontainment of items packaged in non-structured containers comprising: areceptacle, defining an orifice for retaining the substances wherein thereceptacle has a first end, an affixing end, a middle portion, and innerand outer sides, wherein the first end defines a first aperture having afirst diameter, and the affixing end defines a second aperture having asecond diameter; and, a base, wherein the base has a mouth, a bottom,inner and outer sides and is generally cylindrical in shape, the mouthaffixed to the affixing end of the receptacle.

[0033] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a collapsibledevice for containment of substances comprising: a flexible receptacle,defining an orifice for retaining the substances wherein the receptaclehas a first end, an affixing end, a middle portion, and inner and outersides, wherein the first end defines a first aperture having a firstdiameter, and the affixing end defines a second aperture having a seconddiameter; and, a base configured to fit a cup holder, wherein the basehas a mouth, a bottom, inner and outer sides and is generallycylindrical in shape, the mouth affixed to the affixing end of thereceptacle.

[0034] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a collapsibledevice for containment of particulate substances comprising: a flexiblereceptacle, defining an orifice for retaining the substances wherein thereceptacle has a first end, an affixing end, a middle portion, and innerand outer sides, wherein the first end defines a first aperture having afirst diameter, and the affixing end defines a second aperture having asecond diameter; and, a base configured to fit a cup holder, wherein thebase has a mouth, a bottom, inner and outer sides and is generallycylindrical in shape, the mouth affixed to the affixing end of thereceptacle.

[0035] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a collapsibledevice for containment of items packaged in non-structured containerscomprising: a flexible receptacle, defining an orifice for retaining thesubstances wherein the receptacle has a first end, an affixing end, amiddle portion, and inner and outer sides, wherein the first end definesa first aperture having a first diameter, and the affixing end defines asecond aperture having a second diameter; and, a base configured to fita cup holder, wherein the base has a mouth, a bottom, inner and outersides and is generally cylindrical in shape, the mouth affixed to theaffixing end of the receptacle.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a device forcontainment of substances comprising: a receptacle, where in thereceptacle comprises a first end, a second end, a middle portion, andinner and outer sides, wherein the first end defines an aperture forintroduction of the substances to the receptacle, and the second end islocated opposite of the first end; and, a base, wherein the base isdesigned to allow the device to be secured in an upright position.

[0037] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a device forcontainment of particulate substances comprising: a receptacle, where inthe receptacle comprises a first end, a second end, a middle portion,and inner and outer sides, wherein the first end defines an aperture forintroduction of the substances to the receptacle, and the second end islocated opposite of the first end; and, a base, wherein the base isdesigned to allow the device to be secured in an upright position.

[0038] In an alternate embodiment, what is provided is a device forcontainment of items packaged in non-structured containers comprising: areceptacle, where in the receptacle comprises a first end, a second end,a middle portion, and inner and outer sides, wherein the first enddefines an aperture for introduction of the substances to thereceptacle, and the second end is located opposite of the first end;and, a base, wherein the base is designed to allow the device to besecured in an upright position.

[0039] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea device capable of containing items from non-structured packaging to beheld in a conventional cup holder.

[0040] It is another object of the present invention to provide a devicecapable of containing items from non-structured packaging to be held ina conventional cup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself orseparating into its component parts.

[0041] It is another object of the present invention to provide a devicecapable of containing items from non-structured packaging to be held ina conventional cup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself orseparating into its component parts and fits in a standard sized cupholder, such as those found in movie theaters, automobiles, strollersand event arenas.

[0042] It is another object of the present invention to provide a devicecapable of containing voluminous particulate matter to be held in aconventional cup holder.

[0043] It is another object of the present invention to provide a devicecapable of containing voluminous particulate matter to be held in aconventional cup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself orseparating into its component parts.

[0044] It is another object of the present invention to provide a devicecapable of containing voluminous particulate matter to be held in aconventional cup holder that saves space by collapsing in on itself orseparating into its component parts and fits in a standard sized cupholder, such as those found in movie theaters, automobiles, strollersand event arenas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thedevice according to the invention.

[0046]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thecollapsible nature of the invention.

[0047]FIG. 2a is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the collapsiblenature of the invention.

[0048]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strut-supported embodiment ofthe invention.

[0049]FIG. 3a is a top view of the strut supported embodiment of theinvention.

[0050]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thedevice according to the invention.

[0051]FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thedevice according to the invention.

[0052]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thedevice according to the invention utilizing a cup and receptacle withthe flange and groove attachment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0053] Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, in which likenumerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, in apreferred embodiment a device 2 is provided for the containment ofsubstances which are typically packaged in non-structured containers.Examples of such substances include potato chips, pretzels, peanuts,popcorn, corn chips, candy and other like-kind snack foods. The deviceis provided with a funnel like receptacle 4, which can be of varyingrigidity and varying size depending on the characteristics of thesubstance to be held in the device 2. The receptacle 4 is affixed to abase 6 by any known technique in the relevant art, such that the sealbetween the receptacle 4 and the base 6 prevents any of the containedsubstance from escaping via the seal. Should the substance beingcontained by the device 2 be such that the rigidity of the receptacle 4would not be sufficient to support it, struts 8 may be added foradditional support, see FIGS. 3 and 3a. The struts could either beincorporated within the receptacle 4, or may be a part of the base 6.

[0054]FIGS. 2 and 2a depict the collapsible nature of the device 2. Whennot in use, the receptacle 4 can be compressed to be enclosed completelywithin the base 6, thereby saving space, protecting the device, andpreventing non-desirable matter from getting into the device through theopen end of the receptacle 4.

[0055] In an alternate embodiment, the invention can be a moretraditionally shaped square receptacle 10 as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 4a.The receptacle 10 being generally equipped to provide materialcontainment and having a means 16 for either attaching to a seat arm, asin FIG. 4 or to fit within a cup holder, see FIG. 4a. The receptaclecould be supported at the bottom with a rigid structure 12 such ascardboard or plastic. The cup holder variant, FIG. 4a, could be modifiedsuch that the cup 14 could be stored within the receptacle 10 and pulleddown only when needed. In the cup-stored position then, the receptacle10 would appear to be a conventional square-shaped bag.

[0056] Another alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5, whichportrays a generally cone shaped receptacle 20 that is generallyequipped to provide material containment and which can be of varyingrigidity and varying size depending on the characteristics of thesubstance to be held in the receptacle 20. The receptacle is detachablyaffixed to and used in combination with a generally cup shaped base 22.The attachment mechanism is essentially a flange 24 located on theupper, open portion of the base 22, whereby the flange 24 is insertedinto a groove 26 located on the inner surface of the receptacle 20. Thebase 22 is capable of being placed within a conventional cup holder,such as those found in automobiles, at movie theaters and in sportsarenas.

[0057] Accordingly, it will be understood that the preferred embodimentof the present invention has been disclosed by way of example and thatother modifications and alterations may occur to those skilled in theart without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for containment of substancescomprising: a receptacle, defining an orifice for retaining saidsubstances wherein said receptacle has a first end, an affixing end, amiddle portion, and inner and outer sides, wherein said first enddefines a first aperture having a first diameter, and said affixing enddefines a second aperture having a second diameter; and, a base, whereinsaid base has a mouth, a bottom, inner and outer sides and is generallycylindrical in shape, said mouth affixed to said affixing end of saidreceptacle.
 2. A device of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is capableof being collapsed into said base, whereby said device is containedwithin the space occupied by said base.
 3. A device of claim 1, whereinsaid receptacle is capable of being disassembled into its componentparts for storage when not in use.
 4. A device of claim 1, wherein saidreceptacle is made of a flexible material.
 5. A device of claim 1,wherein said receptacle is variable in size depending on the volume ofsaid substance to be placed in said receptacle.
 6. A device of claim 1,wherein said receptacle is variable in stiffness depending on the weightof said substance to be placed in said receptacle.
 7. A device of claim1, wherein said base is variable in size and is configured to fit a cupholder.
 8. A device of claim 1, wherein said base is fitted with supportstruts, wherein said struts support the sides of said receptacle.
 9. Adevice of claim 1, wherein said base is provided with a flange, to beinserted within a groove located on said inner side of said receptacle,allowing said base to be removably attached to said receptacle.
 10. Adevice for containment of particulate substances comprising: areceptacle, defining an orifice for retaining said substances whereinsaid receptacle has a first end, an affixing end, a middle portion, andinner and outer sides, wherein said first end defines a first aperturehaving a first diameter, and said affixing end defines a second aperturehaving a second diameter; and, a base, wherein said base has a mouth, abottom, inner and outer sides and is generally cylindrical in shape,said mouth affixed to said affixing end of said receptacle.
 11. A deviceof claim 10, wherein said receptacle is capable of being collapsed intosaid base, whereby said device is contained within the space occupied bysaid base.
 12. A device of claim 10, wherein said receptacle is capableof being disassembled into its component parts for storage when not inuse.
 13. A device of claim 10, wherein said receptacle is made of aflexible material.
 14. A device of claim 10, wherein said receptacle isvariable in size depending on the volume of said particulate substanceto be placed in said receptacle.
 15. A device of claim 10, wherein saidreceptacle is variable in stiffness depending on the weight of saidparticulate substance to be placed in said receptacle.
 16. A device ofclaim 10, wherein said base is variable in size and is configured to fita cup holder.
 17. A device of claim 10, wherein said base is fitted withsupport struts, wherein said struts support the sides of saidreceptacle.
 18. A device of claim 10, wherein said base is provided witha flange, to be inserted within a groove located on said inner side ofsaid receptacle, allowing said base to be removably attached to saidreceptacle.
 19. A device for containment of items packaged innon-structured containers comprising: a receptacle, defining an orificefor retaining said substances wherein said receptacle has a first end,an affixing end, a middle portion, and inner and outer sides, whereinsaid first end defines a first aperture having a first diameter, andsaid affixing end defines a second aperture having a second diameter;and, a base, wherein said base has a mouth, a bottom, inner and outersides and is generally cylindrical in shape, said mouth affixed to saidaffixing end of said receptacle.
 20. A device of claim 19, wherein saidreceptacle is capable of being collapsed into said base, whereby saiddevice is contained within the space occupied by said base.
 21. A deviceof claim 19, wherein said receptacle is capable of being disassembledinto its component parts for storage when not in use.
 22. A device ofclaim 19, wherein said receptacle is made of a flexible material.
 23. Adevice of claim 19, wherein said receptacle is variable in sizedepending on the volume of said items to be placed in said receptacle.24. A device of claim 19, wherein said receptacle is variable instiffness depending on the weight of said items to be placed in saidreceptacle.
 25. A device of claim 19, wherein said base is variable insize and is configured to fit a cup holder.
 26. A device of claim 19,wherein said base is fitted with support struts, wherein said strutssupport the sides of said receptacle.
 27. A device of claim 19, whereinsaid base is provided with a flange, to be inserted within a groovelocated on said inner side of said receptacle, allowing said base to beremovably attached to said receptacle.
 28. A collapsible device forcontainment of substances comprising: a flexible receptacle, defining anorifice for retaining said substances wherein said receptacle has afirst end, an affixing end, a middle portion, and inner and outer sides,wherein said first end defines a first aperture having a first diameter,and said affixing end defines a second aperture having a seconddiameter; and, a base configured to fit a cup holder, wherein said basehas a mouth, a bottom, inner and outer sides and is generallycylindrical in shape, said mouth affixed to said affixing end of saidreceptacle.
 29. A device of claim 28, wherein said receptacle isvariable in size depending on the volume of said substance to be placedin said receptacle.
 30. A device of claim 28, wherein said receptacle isvariable in stiffness depending on the weight of said substance to beplaced in said receptacle.
 31. A device of claim 28, wherein said baseis fitted with support struts, wherein said struts support the sides ofsaid receptacle.
 32. A collapsible device for containment of particulatesubstances comprising: a flexible receptacle, defining an orifice forretaining said substances wherein said receptacle has a first end, anaffixing end, a middle portion, and inner and outer sides, wherein saidfirst end defines a first aperture having a first diameter, and saidaffixing end defines a second aperture having a second diameter; and, abase configured to fit a cup holder, wherein said base has a mouth, abottom, inner and outer sides and is generally cylindrical in shape,said mouth affixed to said affixing end of said receptacle.
 33. A deviceof claim 32, wherein said receptacle is variable in size depending onthe volume of said particulate substance to be placed in saidreceptacle.
 34. A device of claim 32, wherein said receptacle isvariable in stiffness depending on the weight of said particulatesubstance to be placed in said receptacle.
 35. A device of claim 32,wherein said base is fitted with support struts, wherein said strutssupport the sides of said receptacle.
 36. A collapsible device forcontainment of items packaged in non-structured containers comprising: aflexible receptacle, defining an orifice for retaining said substanceswherein said receptacle has a first end, an affixing end, a middleportion, and inner and outer sides, wherein said first end defines afirst aperture having a first diameter, and said affixing end defines asecond aperture having a second diameter; and, a base configured to fita cup holder, wherein said base has a mouth, a bottom, inner and outersides and is generally cylindrical in shape, said mouth affixed to saidaffixing end of said receptacle.
 37. A device of claim 36, wherein saidreceptacle is variable in size depending on the volume of said items tobe placed in said receptacle.
 38. A device of claim 36, wherein saidreceptacle is variable in stiffness depending on the weight of saiditems to be placed in said receptacle.
 39. A device of claim 36, whereinsaid base is fitted with support struts, wherein said struts support thesides of said receptacle.
 40. A device for containment of substancescomprising: a receptacle, where in said receptacle comprises a firstend, a second end, a middle portion, and inner and outer sides, whereinsaid first end defines an aperture for introduction of said substancesto said receptacle, and said second end is located opposite of saidfirst end; and, a base, wherein said base is designed to allow saiddevice to be secured in an upright position.
 41. A device of claim 40,wherein said base is capable of being collapsed into said receptacle,whereby said base is contained within the space occupied by saidreceptacle.
 42. A device of claim 40, wherein said receptacle is capableof being disassembled into its component parts for storage when not inuse.
 43. A device of claim 40, wherein said receptacle is made of aflexible material.
 44. A device of claim 40, wherein said receptacle isvariable in size depending on the volume of said substance to be placedin said receptacle.
 45. A device of claim 40, wherein said receptacle isvariable in stiffness depending on the weight of said substance to beplaced in said receptacle.
 46. A device of claim 40, wherein said baseis variable in size and is configured to fit a cup holder.
 47. A deviceof claim 40, wherein said receptacle is fitted with support struts,wherein said struts support the sides of said receptacle.
 48. A deviceof claim 40, wherein said receptacle is fitted with a rigid second end,wherein said rigid second end provides additional support for saidreceptacle.
 49. A device of claim 40, wherein said base is capable ofsecuring said receptacle to the arm of a seat.
 50. A device forcontainment of particulate substances comprising: a receptacle, where insaid receptacle comprises a first end, a second end, a middle portion,and inner and outer sides, wherein said first end defines an aperturefor introduction of said substances to said receptacle, and said secondend is located opposite of said first end; and, a base, wherein saidbase is designed to allow said device to be secured in an uprightposition.
 51. A device of claim 50, wherein said base is capable ofbeing collapsed into said receptacle, whereby said base is containedwithin the space occupied by said receptacle.
 52. A device of claim 50,wherein said receptacle is capable of being disassembled into itscomponent parts for storage when not in use.
 53. A device of claim 50,wherein said receptacle is made of a flexible material.
 54. A device ofclaim 50, wherein said receptacle is variable in size depending on thevolume of said substance to be placed in said receptacle.
 55. A deviceof claim 50, wherein said receptacle is variable in stiffness dependingon the weight of said substance to be placed in said receptacle.
 56. Adevice of claim 50, wherein said base is variable in size and isconfigured to fit a cup holder.
 57. A device of claim 50, wherein saidreceptacle is fitted with support struts, wherein said struts supportthe sides of said receptacle.
 58. A device of claim 50, wherein saidreceptacle is fitted with a rigid second end, wherein said rigid secondend provides additional support for said receptacle.
 59. A device ofclaim 50, wherein said base is capable of securing said receptacle tothe arm of a seat.
 60. A device for containment of items packaged innon-structured containers comprising a receptacle, where in saidreceptacle comprises a first end, a second end, a middle portion, andinner and outer sides, wherein said first end defines an aperture forintroduction of said substances to said receptacle, and said second endis located opposite of said first end; and, a base, wherein said base isdesigned to allow said device to be secured in an upright position. 61.A device of claim 60, wherein said base is capable of being collapsedinto said receptacle, whereby said base is contained within the spaceoccupied by said receptacle.
 62. A device of claim 60, wherein saidreceptacle is capable of being disassembled into its component parts forstorage when not in use.
 63. A device of claim 60, wherein saidreceptacle is made of a flexible material.
 64. A device of claim 60,wherein said receptacle is variable in size depending on the volume ofsaid substance to be placed in said receptacle.
 65. A device of claim60, wherein said base is capable of securing said receptacle to the armof a seat.
 66. A device of claim 60, wherein said receptacle is variablein stiffness depending on the weight of said substance to be placed insaid receptacle.
 67. A device of claim 60, wherein said base is variablein size and is configured to fit a cup holder.
 68. A device of claim 60,wherein said receptacle is fitted with support struts, wherein saidstruts support the sides of said receptacle.
 69. A device of claim 60,wherein said receptacle is fitted with a rigid second end, wherein saidrigid second end provides additional support for said receptacle.